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Jessica Gallagher

Jessica

Latest content by Jessica Gallagher

Amanda Vlakos was found dead of an overdose in September while enrolled in PHA Healthcare, a recovery program that offered free housing.
They entered treatment. Drugs, overdoses and deaths followed.
Baltimore addiction programs draw patients with free housing while collecting millions. Some say one program—PHA Healthcare—offered little help.
Donna Bruce waves her praise flags through the newly renamed street, Devon Wellington’s Way after the ceremonial street signing, in Baltimore, June 5, 2024.
Strangers making small talk bonded over connection to overdose victim
One of the last people to see Devon Wellington alive, before he overdosed in 2021, has developed a relationship with the man’s mother. She taught him how to use Narcan, and they recently attended a street renaming event together.
A mural on the side of a home in Poppleton reads: “SAVE OUR BLOCK. Black Neighborhoods Matter. ‘Losing my home is like a death to me. Eminent Domain law is violent.’ -Sonia Eaddy.”
As Baltimore ends deal with Poppleton developer, the community wants a say on what’s next
West Baltimore residents talk about what they’d like to see in Poppleton, now that the city is terminating its agreement with a New York developer that has struggled to build there.
A person in Baltimore receives Narcan, an overdose antidote.
Seniors in Baltimore are being devastated by drugs: 5 takeaways
The city has become the U.S. overdose capital, and older Black men are dying at higher rates than anyone else.
A horrific number of older Black men are dying from overdoses in Baltimore
Many are dying from fentanyl and other drugs. The hardest-hit are Black men in their 50s to 70s, a group that Baltimore’s changing economy left behind.
Cassidy Fredrick, 6, sits on the headstone of her father, Devon Wellington, at Woodlawn Cemetery in Baltimore, MD on April 7, 2024.
‘I love you in the sky, daddy’: Stories from Baltimore’s overdose crisis
Unprecedented overdose rates from fentanyl and other drugs have left signs of loss across the city.
Doni Smith sits at the grave of her fiancé, Jaylon Ferguson, with their children Jrea and Jyce Ferguson at St. Paul No. 1 Cemetery in St. Francisville, Louisiana, on June 21, 2023. Smith crafted items to leave at Ferguson's grave on the one-year anniversary of his passing.
Jaylon Ferguson made it from Louisiana to the Ravens. An overdose cut his legacy short.
The same drug that Jackie Ferguson had used to ease her mother’s pain had also taken her son Jaylon’s life.
Almost 6,000 dead in 6 years: How Baltimore became the U.S. overdose capital
The city was once hailed for its response to addiction. But as fentanyl flooded the streets and officials shifted priorities, deaths hit unprecedented heights.
The synthetic opioid fentanyl, up to 50 times more potent than heroin, has taken over Baltimore’s illegal drug supply, contributing to more and more deaths.
Baltimore’s unprecedented overdose crisis: 5 takeaways
Nearly 6,000 people have died over the past six years — an unparalleled number among U.S. cities.
The collapse of the Key Bridge has reshaped how truck driver Mandel Brown said he views his profession.
The truckers hauling goods across Maryland are terrified to do their jobs
Already stressed local truck drivers are feeling overworked and fearful after the collapse of the Key Bridge — which some said they nearly got caught up in.
Larry Desantis poses for a portrait outside his workplace, Herman's Bakery, in Dundalk on March 28, 2024. Desantis was one of the last drivers to cross the bridge moments before it collapsed.
We spoke with one of the last drivers to cross the Key Bridge
A baker in Dundalk was one of the last people to cross the Key Bridge, making it off about a minute before it collapsed.
Sister Magdala Gilbert prays holding her rosary during mass held at Our Lady of Mount Providence Convent.
Through racism, hatred and war, Oblate Sisters of Providence have stood their ground in Baltimore
The convent is the first religious order established for and by women of African descent and its sisters are pushing for sainthood for foundress Mother Mary Lange.
Sandra "Pinky" Dorsey, puts on her necklace before heading to the grand entry of the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo, at the The Show Place Arena, in Upper Marlboro, MD, Saturday, September 23, 2023.
Photos: Bill Pickett Championship Rodeo
Baltimore Ravens players make their way onto the field to battle against Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023.
Photos: Sloppy Ravens fall to Steelers in Pittsburgh
A chilly autumn afternoon Sunday in Pennsylvania felt like the perfect stage for the next clash in the epic Ravens-Steelers rivalry. Banner photographers captured the most important moments from Baltimore’s disappointing loss
Michael Washington, Taavon Griffin, Donteze Branch, Reggie Gornish, and Yoni Portillo, all socialize outside of  Mimi DiPietro Family Skating Center after a game, in Baltimore, February 19, 2023.
Photos: East Baltimore hockey club offers lessons for a lifetime
Baltimore Banners, a volunteer-run ice hockey team, was founded in 2003 and aims to teach on- and off-ice skills to at-risk youth in East Baltimore.

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